S1 - Ep 202 - Gariep Dam - A Town on the Northern Bank of the Orange River!

We arrived late the evening at our accommodation at Gariep Dam and ordered delicious food which was delivered to our doorstep by the owner of a local restaurant. The next morning we started to explore this beautiful town located on the Northern bank of the Orange river. This town was the original dam-building community who did not want to leave after the dam was completed. So that is how it came to be. The view of the village from the top of the hill was breathtaking, not to mention the size of the dam, which is the largest in South Africa. We then took a drive through the holiday resort on the banks of the dam, it was simply fantastic. The Karoo Queen houseboat in the harbour was a beauty and what a privilege to take a tour through it. I would love to stay on board that luxury cruiser. Then we had to go and see the dam wall and it did not disappoint. It is a magnificent feat of human engineering. Unfortunately our time at the Gariep Dam came to an end way too quickly and we had to move on to our next port of call. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #gariepdam #freestate #orangeriver #karooqueen
Instagram
/ dustbugstravel
Facebook
/ dustbugstravel
Twitter
/ dustbugstravel
Pinterest
/ dustbugstravel

[@cecilebecker9726]

Hi guys You are at the once Hendrik Verwoerd Dam now Gariep♥️My Stepfather was an engineer at the Dam in 1967 We were there for 6 years what an awesome experience a wonderful safe life many adventures l was 14 yes old at the time. Thank you for the precious memories you gave me. I love your channel. ps l have old fotos of the works at the Dam☺️Take care Cecile

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hello to you! Wow, they indeed sound like special memories! How fortunate were you to spend so much time at this great dam and to have someone in your family who must've had such in-depth knowledge of the dam's inner workings! We're so happy that you enjoyed our video of this amazing place, thank you for watching! 🌊😍 If you're willing to share your pics, you may email them to us at [e-mail]. We would love taking a look, we love old pictures! 😁🌊

[@cecilebecker9726]

@@DustBugsTravel will do so on the weekend have to scratch out my albums🥰

[@mariusroos4146]

Thank you excellent. I was there 30 years agao and could relive my experience. Well done and an excellent footage

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you kindly. 😊 To me it sounds like it's high time you pay this area a return visit if possible. You will love it just as much as before. I believe the dam is 110% full today and overflowing. What a magnificent sight that must be! 🤩🚗

[@infocus-media]

Yea, I got a lot to say about Hendrik Verwoerd/Gariep dam, I had a friend at boarding school who's father use to work for Nature Conservation, the name back then was "Fauna & Flora" (derogatory) and those guys Policed what can be taken from the wild and what can't. I spend many days on the Dam in a Fauna & Flora boat (a very nice Cat they had that went pretty fast. There were 2 towns build for the Engineers and senior workers. The one was "Oranje Krag" at the dam wall and "Oviston" for the people working on the tunnel, Oviston to Teebus.. Both towns were pretty much kitted out as a town, Olympic swimming, Tennis courts and all. When I visited my friend we had the whole swimming pool, tennis courts all to ourselves. My friends father bless his soul use to "look into the bottle" away too much so we spent a lot of time in Venterstad at the local watering hole, and it was not uncommon for us to sip a Castle at the age of 13 while waiting for his father to get buttered up for the very dodgy drive back to Oviston. We spend many, many hours criss crossing the dam and almost got killed only once or twice, mainly because we jump into the water at the bow of the boat and then barely got minced up by the boat propellors. I remember seeing the photos in the papers about animals getting rescued from the water, snakes, meerkats, rabbits when the dam was busy filling up for the first time.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for sharing your experiences in and around this area, there clearly is a very long and interesting history associated with this fantastic dam, which just makes it so much more intriguing for us as first-time visitors. We'd like to go back one day. 🚗🌊

[@annawitter5161]

WE visited Gariepdam back in 1990 when it was still Verwoerddam (seker nou n vloekwoord) when I was 7 months pregnant with our first child. It was so beautiful

[@DustBugsTravel]

The dam was still a teenager at 18 back then! 🌊😁

[@annawitter5161]

@@DustBugsTravel Gits! Now I feel old! 😄

[@patshes1951]

Goodcto see the Gariepdam . I have always wanted to go to the biggest dam in our country.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hopefully you get to do that soon. It's such an awe-inspiring place, and one can only marvel at the sheer size and beauty of it. 🤩🌊 Thank you for watching!

[@warewolf4760]

I stayed at one of the prefab houses back in 2012, it was so awesome. I really love going here. The vibe is chilled and peaceful.

[@alroydavey5023]

Thanks, I'm here now, and the Dam is at 104%. I agree with all you've said. From Cape Town

[@petrusvanderwesthuizen3692]

You guys have the best travels. Envious to say the least. I do hope that while you are in the area you pay Bethulie a visit.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're so happy to have you along for the ride! 🚗 This trip was a few weeks ago already and we're back home, but you'll be happy to know that we indeed visited Bethulie and you can look forward to our video of our visit in the next week or so. 😁

[@BuhlebzNetwork]

This country is amazing I'm always a friend of any channel who showcases the beauty of our country and the continent well done guys I didn't know about this wonderful place 🇿🇦

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we're glad you enjoyed our video of the Gariep Dam area. You're quite correct, this is a wonderful place indeed. If you're ever travelling in or near the area, it's certainly worth a visit. One can only be in awe of the magnificence of the largest dam in South Africa, as well as the picturesque town and surrounding scenery. 🤩🚗

[@jensmasque5847]

That was a great visit to Gariep Dam - its such a beautiful area. I'm not surprised the people working on the dam decided to make this place their home. I have always wanted to visit there, so thank you guys for my first "taste" of the area. I am so impressed with the town too. Everything looks so neat and clean - no litter!

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're most welcome! It was a pleasure having you on board. I'm with you 100%, I wouldn't have wanted to move away either when the dam was completed. It's such a diverse area and almost everywhere you look, the mighty Gariep Dam stares you in the face. 😍 One can only be proud of this great place in our country! 🌊🇿🇦

[@sowyoung4559]

I have missed these people. I haven't watched the videos for a while. Love you guys. Watching overseas. So beautiful out there. Thanks for sharing. Sending love and tons of peace. ❤❤❤❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're so happy that you're back! Thank you for watching from afar, we appreciate you joining us on the road again and hope you'll stick around for the rest of our trip and beyond. 😁🚗

[@sowyoung4559]

@@DustBugsTravel I was still recovering from nostalgia 🤣. All the best and be safe. ❤

[@munesumangava9751]

All i can say is I’m speechless!! I love your drives and all the little towns👌👍👍👍😍

[@DustBugsTravel]

And this one was gorgeous from beginning to end! 🤩🌊

[@bonganimiya1310]

Oh wow! I noticed these areas are grand, but you've given me the views I desired. God bless. Excellent places to live.

[@DustBugsTravel]

The views are absolutely fantastic, we're happy that you enjoyed them too! 🤩 Thank you for watching our video of this spectacular dam and its town! We could easily live there too! 🚗🌊

[@61sunset]

Oh my goodness that scenery is breathtaking, how vast the dam is. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit and thank you for ignoring all my oohs and ahhhhs coming from the back seat. How proud the residents are in keeping the place immaculate. Loved the little bird keeping Sonia company....so sweet. Thanks once again for taking us all along for the ride.

[@DustBugsTravel]

No, we heard your oohs and ahhs, they formed a choir with ours! 😁 The dam really is a spectacular sight, especially with all those koppies dotted in between. We haven't been there in yonks, so it was great to witness this feat of engineering in real-life again. That little bird had Sonia endlessly fascinated! 😍🦜 We appreciate you joining us for this one!

[@desh7120]

This was a wonderful trip. I had no idea of the dam’s size or beauty. The little bird is a Wagtail, my favourite of all the birds that visit my garden. They are territorial and the males see their reflection as an imposter, that needs to be discouraged. Thank you for another truly marvellous experience!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you kindly. The size of the dam still haunts us, in a good way of course. It's so awe-inspiring and the scattered koppies all through it, were just amazing to see. Thank you for identifying the little wagtail. He was so cute, he became really bold once Sonia had closed the window and really had enough of the guy in the mirror. 😁 We're so happy that you got to visit the Gariep Dam with us, it's a fantastic place! 🚗😊

[@charlietreston4035]

Big sky Big views Big dam amazing no wonder the people who worked on the dam wanted to settle there loved the hotel boat thanks for another great video my education of the free state is definitely growing 👍

[@DustBugsTravel]

Oh, and we're only getting started with our videos of the Free State, you have so much to look forward to! This dam is truly amazing to see and it was such an experience to be so close to it. Another viewer said it's 104% full today, so one can only imagine the powerful rush of water over those spillways. We're glad you enjoyed the Karoo Queen, it didn't even feel like I was on a boat, except for the views of the water all around. I loved that! 😁🛳️

[@peterkoning21]

I have spent many a lovely weekend at the Forever Resort at Gariep. Lovely place !

[@DustBugsTravel]

It certainly looks like a place where one could spend an entire holiday and never get bored. Sounds like you've had some fun times there! 😁🌊

[@flodillon991]

Thank you your footage from the drone was amazing. What a beautiful view from the " Managers House" . How awesome the size of the dam. Just loved the inside of Karoo Queen beautiful must be great to stay on her for a while. Loved the little Wagtail he was upset for the bird he thought was a treat in his territory. Lovely for a exceptional episcode.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I was on the edge of a no-fly zone, but fortunately was able to fly the drone above the town. The swallows didn't like the drone much though, so I only flew for a short while. I wasn't able to get close to the dam, but the glimpse in the distance was enough for me. I could also stay on the Karoo Queen for a while, I can just imagine sitting on the deck looking out over the endless water of the dam, that must be quite an experience. So glad you enjoyed our visit to this area. 🚗🤩

[@andriesfourie4226]

Gariep Dam town is one of the few places which has a distinctive "bo- dorp" and "onder-dorp".

[@DustBugsTravel]

Indeed. It was quite interesting to observe. We enjoyed our drive through both parts of the town, but those views from the top are mesmerising. 🚗😁

[@herminemajcen3339]

We was staying at a Farm in Tromsburg , went to the Gariep Dam , beautiful Area ! Thank you for the Video. God's blessings with you! 😘😘❤️👏🏻👍🏻🤗

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much! The area and the dam are truly gorgeous with so many different landscapes and vistas. We visited Trompsburg too later on in our trip, but didn't stay over. Our video of the town will be coming up in the next few weeks, be sure to look out for that one. 😁 Your farmstay must've been quite an experience, we always love overnighting on farms where it's so quiet and dark. We appreciate you watching! 😊🚗

[@corry6157]

I was there in the early 70's, just after they finished the dam and most labourers left town. I can remember the empty houses, saw the empty butchery & hairdresser's shops, only the Dep of Water Affairs (they were called the Water works) people was still living there according to my knowledge... (I don't know why I thought the town became Orania, I was completely mistaken). Thanks for showing, me seeing it again... I'm on pension, just maybe I need to look into the Property Market...

[@DustBugsTravel]

That is so interesting! I would imagine Water Affairs had quite a large complement of staff who remained behind. I was very keen to do a dam wall tour, but since COVID, access isn't readily granted and we were unfortunately unable to do this. I spoke to local employees too when we arrived and now can't help but wonder if some of them are second and third generations after the original dam builders. I would imagine so. Just so you know, we saw an empty house or two. 😁🏡

[@funkdunk]

W😎W, Wat(er) a Stunning Place, the two of you have showcased for us today. I wish that I could also leave windy Cape Town and settle in that Oasis. What a feat of engineering from the early 70s. The pressure of that water must be immense. As a matter of interest are they doing any hydro electric schemes there, or is there not enough height? Just Incredible this episode. Thank-you for taking us with.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I saw the Eskom Power Station on Google Maps when I was planning our route. One of our viewers commented on Facebook that she worked at the Power Station in the 1970's. It is located below the dam wall. According to the website power-technology.com, 'Gariep is a 360MW hydro power project currently owned by Eskom Holdings SOC with a stake of 100%'. I stood there, looking out over the dam and could hardly believe my eyes. I actually got chills, it makes one proud to be a South African. 🇿🇦🤩 I think I could also live there, my darling wife may just have a tiny issue with the temperatures in winter. 🥶 We're glad you joined us at this amazing place.

[@brianjones5948]

So we'll organised and we'll laid out. South African people are all great

[@DustBugsTravel]

This is a fantastic place and the dam, around which the town was initially established, fills one with absolute awe and admiration. We appreciate you watching. 🚗🌊

[@deonzar]

At 26:23 you remarked that those building on your right were the chalets, but they were the private ablutions for the stands. In April this year the LandCruiser Club of SA had our Saamtrek at the Gariep Dam and coincidentally I stood on the first stand there on your right. The rest of the campsites with one big ablution block were still lower down and there were also quite a few chalets. And I see there were quite a few swallows inspecting the drone.. 🙂The bird that came to visit Sonia at the end was a wagtail, and normally at mating time birds would fight with the image in the mirror or window.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That makes so much sense now, we really thought they were chalets! That's quite cool though, for every campsite to have their own allocated ablutions, I'll certainly keep that in mind for when Sonia is open to camping again. I appreciate that info, thank you! 😁⛺ I thought they were swallows, but wasn't sure. They were certainly not happy with the drone, but never actually attacked, just swarmed around. I was unnerved by this in the beginning, but have gotten used to it now. It doesn't happen that often though, only over built-up areas I've noticed. Thanks for identifying the wagtail, it was actually very interesting behaviour and he / she got so much bolder once the window was closed. Sonia loved it! 😍🦜

[@Afriqueleblanq]

Always nice to revisit our old haunts with you. We traveled between Dewetsdorp and the Boland twice a year, sometimes more, and we always stopped over at Gariep Dam for a picnic. Gariep Dam is one of the places that had found a sweet corner in my heart. At November 10, 2022, the dam is at around 104% and overflowing - and the rainy season has yet to come. I was there when it started overflowing the very first time, perhaps in 1972? I am not sure what the year was - but it was at the inauguration of the dam. The origins of names always interest me, especially indigenous ones such as Gariep, Kgalagadi, Mokala, Augrabies (Akoerabis). I prefer the name Gariep over Orange, as the latter refers to the House of Orange (Oranje, really) in the Netherlands, and not to the colour of the water. But this is Africa........not Europe. Interesting how the vegetation will slowly change from Karoo to highveld grass as you go north; but even at Dewetsdorp, the veld was still somewhat Karoo and mutton from there had a very special taste to it, derived from a certain type of Karoo bush.

[@DustBugsTravel]

'A sweet corner in my heart'. Sonia said I should tell you that she loves this comment of yours because the mighty Gariep Dam found a similar corner in hers. 😍 You're correct, the dam was indeed completed in 1972 and what a dam! As far as the eye can see, it really had quite a profound impact on the two of us. We still can't get over the fact that it's 50 years old this year. An absolute feat of human engineering. It's quite amazing that the dam is 104% full today as I write this, I can only imagine the power gushing over those spillways now. We indeed saw how the landscape changed as we travelled further. Having grown up in the Free State, I'm very familiar with it, but it was quite new to my darling wife. You mentioned Dewetsdorp twice in your comments, so I gather you have a long association with this town. We visited it too later on our trip, so you can look forward to our video of a place you clearly know very well. 😁🚗

[@Afriqueleblanq]

@@DustBugsTravel We lived on one of General Christiaan De Wet's farms, Rooipoort, as my father was a teacher at Jimmy Roos School. I still feel connected to that farm of 3 627 hectares (size my be a bit off.) A wonderful place for a boy to grow up, and to collect Boer War artifacts from both Boer and British sides, as both occupied the same land at different times. We left for the Boland by the end of 1968. I look forward to see little Dewetsdorp in your videos.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We looked for a place which we only later found out doesn't exist (long story) and found the Jimmie Roos School instead. Tight security there with a boom and everything. 😳

[@mk-xq1tt]

Lovely video very informative.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it! 🚗🌊

[@SirLesMeyer]

What is now the forever Resort use to be Aventura Resorts back in early 90s. Stayed there a few times on way to Keurbooms. The restuarant was always good and as an Aventura member of course a discount was applicable. Happy days were those. The Gariep dam is almost as big as all the dams in Aus put together (almost).

[@DustBugsTravel]

Those certainly sound like good times back in the day! 👍The restaurant looked fantastic, but probably quite different from how you remember it. The sheer size of the Gariep Dam is what got to us, it is actually unbelievable if one thinks it's over 90km long. That still blows my mind! 🌊🤯

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! This must me one of the most amazing trips you took me on. Even started with cuppas in the morning! What a beautiful neat and peaceful town and great resort, surrounded by wonderful scenery and nothing less than an inland sea, complete with harbour. How beautiful is our beloved country! Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

You know what, describing the mighty Gariep Dam as an inland sea is perfect! Sonia was absolutely gobsmacked at the vast expanse of water with all the koppies dotted in between. I'm so glad you enjoyed this episode, it is truly a beautiful town and we are still at a loss for words when we think of the dam, it actually makes us so proud! We hope you had your coffee this morning, we've just had ours! 😁☕

[@waswe4204]

I spent many a year going there to sail in regattas - so I know the dam very well.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I saw some nice boats, you must've had some fun times there! 😁⛵

[@RyanDH]

Great episode, reminds me of the trip I had there a few months ago. There's a viewpoint that overlooks the dam wall. If you continue on the road over the dam wall away from the town, you would come across a sign pointing to a viewpoint. I even heard a fish eagle from that view point that was flying about down in the valley where the water flows from the wall. Then if you drive to Oviston there's another viewpoint of the dam where you can see an overflow pipe. The overflow pipe feeds water into Fish river near Cookhouse and Cradock.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for that info! We'll definitely visit this area again one day and go and look up those two viewpoints. I'll do it for the view, but also in the hopes that I also spot a fish eagle, which is my favourite bird. I can already hear it's cry! 🦅😍 We headed in the opposite direction this time around though.

[@charlesfeatherstone6196]

I Luv your enthuisiasm!!!

[@DustBugsTravel]

We appreciate that, thank you so much! 😁🚗

[@haydenisaacs]

Lekker guys. I really want to travel here soon and discover this part of our country.

[@DustBugsTravel]

You will have a fabulous time, it's a fantastic place to visit. 😁🌊

[@terrimeyer3815]

My oupa stayed there and help build that dam. I have actually not been there myself....another one for my list 😍🤩😍

[@DustBugsTravel]

Wow, you should go! You have a personal connection with this great dam and not everyone can say that. You will love, love, love it! 😍🌊 Thank you for sharing your oupa's involvement with us.

[@terrimeyer3815]

Yes and im right up the road these days. Its my next trip down the road. Thanks for the inspiration. I stand corrected but i think Murray and Roberts built that dam

[@DustBugsTravel]

I have absolutely no idea, but Wikipedia says the dam was built by Dumez, a French construction company. 🤷‍♂️

[@terrimeyer3815]

@@DustBugsTravel yes I see that. They huge company. I can't remember. Ill have to go visit

[@zharkleroux387]

Thanks, as an expat from the Freestate, I’d appreciate all Freestate towns.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much! 😊 We explored the Southern part of the Free State on our most recent trip. If you love the Free State as much as I do, you're in for a treat over the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy. 😁🚗

[@zharkleroux387]

@@DustBugsTravel Cool Bananas mate, Australian for the last 10 years. Went to high school in Reddersburg. Can’t wait to see southern Freestate

[@DustBugsTravel]

All I'll say at this point, is keep on watching. 😎

[@christiaandutoit1094]

Die groot gebou is die stadsaal. Mooi videos ek geniet hulle baie, jyt verby my huis gery volgende keer stop vir koffie! Veilig reis groete daar.

[@DustBugsTravel]

😁 I wonder if you were one of the friendly folks who waved at us as we drove by! Thank you for the info on the Town Hall, it's good to know for sure what the building is. Next time we'll certainly stop by for a cuppa. We appreciate you watching, thank you! 👌🏻🚗

[@BrendonSchaferCT]

Yeah. Been there a few times, but not in a number of years. You were in the Free State, Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape all in a matter of minutes. Very beautiful there. Resort restaurant looks like they had a name change and revamp. Otherwise looks the same as when last I was there. Very busy on weekends and holidays. If I remember correctly, going over the wall lands you in the Eastern Cape and close to Aliwal North.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It really is a very beautiful area with a different landscape every few kilometres. We had fun exploring the area and that dam is just beyond any words! I can only imagine that resort over April and December holidays, it must be wild! You are correct, one enters the Eastern Cape as you cross the dam wall. Aliwal North is quite a distance away, the first town one gets to is Venterstad as far as I know. 👌🏻🚗

[@BrendonSchaferCT]

@@DustBugsTravel too long since I've been there. Was called Verwoerd dam in the old days.

[@munesumangava9751]

The dam resort 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌 no words🤭

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yup, I could spend a good few days there. I'll just look at the dam the whole day, I don't think I'll ever get tired of looking at that dam. 😍🌊

[@riagouws3211]

Dis baie mooi en intresante plekke waar julle en die Gruispaaie is so mooi en netjies ek geniet alles wat ek tyd voorhet om te kyk dankie ry versugtig

[@house10family4]

Love all your videos I have watched. Go regularly to Gariep as we are close by in Oviston which is on the Eastern Cape side of the dam. Hopefully we will be able to meet you here one day 😊

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we're happy to hear you enjoy our videos, there are certainly enough of them to keep you busy for a while. 😁 We'll definitely be returning to the area and Oviston will most certainly be on our route. 🤩 As a Free State boy, it was important to me to head to the Free State and explore the Southern part of it this time. My heart was calling me back there and I just had to answer. You live in a beautiful part of the country, so we'll come back anytime. 🚗🇿🇦

[@house10family4]

@@DustBugsTravel It will be awesome to have you here. The little boat on the slipway I bought as a fixer upper. so was also interesting to see it in your video

[@munesumangava9751]

Beautiful sunset yhoooo🥰

[@DustBugsTravel]

You seem to enjoy the same things we do, we love that! 🌅

[@SuddenStorm982]

Vrystaat! 🤣. Although I was born in Bellville I am proud to have written matric in JBM Hertzog in Bloem and also went to Kovsies. What an amazing episode 🏆

[@DustBugsTravel]

Greetings to a fellow one-time Free Stater! 😎 I too spent many years in Bloem and will always have an orange heart. 🐆 Glad you enjoyed the Gariep Dam, what an absolutely magnificent piece of engineering in our country! 🌊🇿🇦

[@thecatat7]

I really liked this episode, thank you very much. Wish you did Oviston which is also a little town on the dam. I would love to see that!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, glad you liked our video! We headed into the opposite direction this time, but will certainly look at including Oviston on a future trip. We believe there is a viewpoint too, which we would love to go and see! 😁🌊

[@McPutter-et5to]

Hi.. Baie dankie vir al die mooi plekke wat julle vir ons wys....Het julle geweet dat julle by die Gariepdam ,in die dam Wal kan ingaan. Dit is so groot daar binne...Hulle neem toeruste in... Volgende keer vrae dat hulle julle in die damwal self Sal neem ... Lekker rond toer ek ry saam.🤗😁

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm so glad enjoy our videos, thank you for travelling with us! 🚙😁 We heard about the dam wall tour and I was very keen to do it. We asked a local tour guide and she referred us to the Department of Water Affairs because since COVID, one has to apply in writing at least two weeks ahead of time, after which they'll consider one's application. We didn't know about this procedure to be followed until a few days before our arrival and they indicated that they make no exceptions to this procedure whatsoever. 😏🤷🏼‍♂️ The guide also informed us that permission is very seldom granted nowadays.

[@munesumangava9751]

Love you lodgings👌

[@DustBugsTravel]

It was the perfect spot for the night. We could just relax after quite a long day on the road! 😴🛌🏻

[@tuckingfwit]

The bird is fighting its reflection in the mirror thinking it's another bird and a rival.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much for the info, so interesting! 👌🏻

[@Afriqueleblanq]

742 views by 10h23! Airfield: there has to be a well-equipped airfield with a sealed runway, so as to allow for Eskom to fly in heavy equipment for the hydro-electric plant. Eskom, once the world's #1 power utility, is known to have built decent quality airfields near major dams and power stations. Ditto Ellisras and Petrusville.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm always happy when folks choose to watch our videos! 😊 I discovered by chance that there was an airfield nearby when I learnt that I was flying the drone on the edge of restricted airspace, so you must indeed be correct. How sad what has become of Eskom, it just hit home again when you reminded us that it used to be the best power company in the entire world. Hard to believe that now! 💡😏

[@Afriqueleblanq]

@@DustBugsTravel As one isn't allowed to fly drones within (10km, I think) from an airport, I suppose drone flying in that entire area may be taboo. Best try get info from CAA, Civil Aviation Authority. The Blue Train once was 8x the world's leading luxury train and 10x Africa's, Rovos Rail was 4x world's best (as rated by Tiara Trains), our railways was some of the best in the world and by far the best in Africa. You journeys just gave evidence of how bad it is to implement ideologies instead of good corporate governance. SAA once was the world's #1 airline. Younger viewers here will most likely not be able to comprehend how structured and orderly SA used to be, and how unemployment was really low. Johann Rupert's late father, DR Anton Rupert, started by making sniff tobacco (the British throne didn't permit him to roll cigarettes as he was Afrikaans!) and ended up fairly high up in the global Fortune 500 companies. He secured jobs for millions of people of colour, but also for women. Raymond Ackermann, founder of Pick 'n Pay and inventor of the supermarket and hypermarket, also secured jobs for the formerly oppressed, as you had to be white and English to be blessed under British governance. My own uncle, a theologian, used his B degree to work with pick and shovel on a construction site. 1961 changed that to some extent. I live in the city where the CAT scan was invented, yet I struggle so get to see a proper doctor, as govt fails in every area. Maybe I should go live at Gariep Dam.

[@christiaandutoit1094]

@@Afriqueleblanq ek voel jou pyn Stoflus, SA was iets om oor trots tewees eendag maar nou maak die verval net seer.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Stoflus The drone app luckily will only allow the drone to take off in unrestricted airspace, but quickly warns if one gets to close to restricted. I so wanted to fly closer to the dam, but wasn't able to for this reason. I managed to get a glimpse though. 🌊

[@tumisomodise5606]

Breakfast at De Stijl Hotel is amazing....

[@DustBugsTravel]

We'll remember that! 🍳🥓

[@oldtighthead2459]

You can actually take a tour of the inside of the dam wall,right down to the rock foundation...there are staligmites and staligtites growing there

[@DustBugsTravel]

We heard about this and I was very keen to do it. We asked a local tour guide and she referred us to the Department of Water Affairs because apparently since COVID, one has to apply in writing at least two weeks ahead of time, after which they'll consider one's application. We didn't know about this procedure to be followed until a few days before our arrival and they indicated that they make no exceptions to this procedure whatsoever. 😏🤷🏼‍♂️ The guide also informed us that permission is very seldom granted nowadays. I can imagine how fascinating seeing the stalagtites and stalagmites must be, amongst all the other interesting things one gets to observe!

[@yamkelamatolengwe3940]

I love your channel. This my dream too.When are you guys going to Burgersdorp and Molteno? PS I'm also from Strand

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hello to you! It's fantastic to have another traveller from Strand join us! We headed in the opposite direction on this trip, but we'll definitely visit those two towns in the future, so keep watching. Hopefully you get to hit the road yourself too soon! Until such time, we'll take you with to every place we visit! 🚗😁

[@frederikbrits9559]

Original name of Gariep Dam was Oranjekrag, early 1960's

[@DustBugsTravel]

Indeed. What an appropriate name that was too! 💡

[@pieterbeukes1411]

More More makker. Vragie wie het afgelewer die lekker kos? die eerste aand in Gariep. Deel met ons ASB, Ek steel met die oog,. Dit is goei inligting wat jy deel van al die stunning plekke waar julle rond rutss. en ek wat onwetend deur die lewe flieg en nooi tyd maak om die mooi en lekker tesien nie. seel met die oog ( Hoop met permiesie? en met julle goedkering). Was my self vaag onbewus van die konsentrasie kamp in Norwal. Met my volgende trip, Mandag komend (God's wil) gaam ek defnetief daardie Brug oor die Oranja ry en as dit kan die Blokhuis opsoek daar by die brug. Asb, as dit kan gee so n biekkie meer inligting, sodat meer rysigers soos ek meer teweete kan oor die plaaslike besighede, [ die braaivleis bestel in Kliprand🤪] en wat hulle tafel toe kan bring. Want soos ons deel, maak dit deure oop vit daardie klyn plekkies se besighed om ook aantesit aan die tafel van oorvloed. Mag die stofpaaie feel en lank wees vir julle op julle rys, deer ons Mooi land. God seen!. ♥

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hello there! Our delicious food was delivered by Hentie of Rustiq Pub & Grill. As one enters the town of Gariep Dam, they're almost immediately to your right. We're happy that our videos inspire you to also go out and travel, we hope you do it soon. Feel free to watch them as often as you like and ask away if you have any questions. At last count, we've been away from home for eleven weeks out of the last 52, so we've done quite a fair bit of travelling the last year. And we're still loving every single moment. We don't do a lot of research before a trip, but certainly try and show as much of what we do and see as possible. We're budget travellers, so don't often eat out and it's mostly take-aways or something quick we grab on-the-go. We're so tired in the evenings when we arrive at our destination, we're not keen to cook or even braai. We just fall down on the couch or bed and relax for an hour or two before bedtime. When we booked at the Hotel Charles in Kliprand, they asked if we'd like to have our evening meal there and are we glad we did! It was one of the most delicious meals we've had on our travels thus far and to enjoy it with such warm and friendly hosts, was absolutely amazing! We wish you Godspeed on your travels next week. Definitely visit the concentration camp cemetery at Norvalspont and cross that bridge, it is awesome. We couldn't find the blockhouse, but another viewer said that it was converted into a private residence with a garden that goes down to the river. Perhaps you should ask around when your'e there. We hope you find it! 🚗🤩

[@Cape_Town_7655]

when i was there other side exit was dry heard today it over flow with rain

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yes, one of our viewers explained it was 104% full today.. How amazing! 🌊👌🏻

[@andrecoetzee8614]

Is dit swaeltjies wat julle drone so aanval?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I also thought they were swallows. They came close, but never actually made contact. 🦜

[@oldtighthead2459]

The bird is called a kwikstertjie...the smallest bird that walks and not hop...

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for the info, much appreciated! 👌🏻🦜

[@oldtighthead2459]

@@DustBugsTravel I actually live 100km from Gariep dam ,60 from Bethullie, 58 from Smithfield, 70 from Rouxville,and 90 from Zastron,and 30 from Aliwal-north

[@michaelpaterson8340]

Throughly enjoyed this video. What camera do you use?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that! 😊 I use my regular everyday cellphone to film with, a Samsung S22 Ultra with a regular selfie-stick. 📱

[@sno13opy]

You folks didn't mention all those potholes! The roads on the National Road was aweful!

[@DustBugsTravel]

You clearly missed some of our other videos where we've mentioned potholes when we found them exceptionally bad. We didn't experience that in this area though and us and our vehicle arrived at our destination in one piece, so all was good. But then again, we're just always happy and grateful when we travel, so that may be the reason they never bothered us that much! 😁🛣️

[@corneliuskotze893]

U guysalwaýs show the nicest parts of town's are there any other people staying there's

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm not sure how many of our videos you've seen, but I think you should go and check a few more and then tell me we only show the nicest parts in any town. 🤷🏼‍♂️ I film out of the window of our vehicle and safety is the number one consideration for me. So I shall not film in any street or area I deem unsafe to film out of the window.

[@Cape_Town_7655]

i drove past when it was dry many boats was on sand

[@DustBugsTravel]

You don't mention when that was, but it must've been during a serious drought if the boats were on dry land! Wow, that must be quite a sad sight! 😳⛵

[@Ant-ls2pr]

Possibly, if this could be taken positively; would be far more professional {edit: or appropriate 🙂} if a Lot less is said, let the images guide you, not the forced comments, attempting to "keep it light and positive" It is South African to do this and is So well meant, beautifully naive, allmost sad to even put this comment here. Quite sad we have to do this in English to widen the audience.

[@DustBugsTravel]

No worries, the two of us are put together by positivity, so we take every comment from anyone in a positive light. 😁 You miss the point of our channel if you think our aim is to be 'professional'. We're a happy, light-hearted, chatty husband-and-wife who happen to choose to focus on the positive and will continue to do so, always. Although I'm originally from the Free State, I am English-speaking and would like my family and friends to also be able to follow along. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and watch our video. 🚗👌🏻